Molded stiffener for thin substrates

ABSTRACT

A stiffener molded to a semiconductor substrate, such as a lead frame, and methods of molding the stiffener to the substrate are provided. The stiffener is molded to the substrate to provide rigidity and support to the substrate. The stiffener material can comprise a polymeric material molded to the substrate by a molding technique such as transfer molding, injection molding, and spray molding, or using an encapsulating material. One or more dies, chips, or other semiconductor or microelectronic devices can be disposed on the substrate to form a die assembly. The stiffener can be molded to a substrate comprising one or more dies, over which an encapsulating material can be applied to produce a semiconductor die package.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/077,554, filed Feb. 15, 2002, currently pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a stiffener for substratesused in semiconductor fabrication processes, and more particularly to astiffener molded onto thin substrates, such as lead frames, used duringthe production of die assemblies and packages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A stiffener device has been used with lead frames for die assembly andpackage production to provide support for flexible, and even flimsy,substrates. The stiffener can assist in preventing or reducing damage tothe substrate and associated electrical components. Stiffeners aretypically attached to lead frames by applying a strip of adhesive tapeor a layer of adhesive paste to the stiffener and/or the surface of thelead frame.

Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art semiconductor die package 2 disposedwithin a package mold 4 is shown. Package 2 typically comprises a leadframe 6 (or other substrate), adhesive element 8, one or more dies 10,adhesive element 12, a metal or plastic stiffener 14, and anencapsulating material 16. Package mold 4 comprises mold plates 18. Moldplates 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, define a mold gate 20 and a cavity22 disposed within package mold 4.

The package illustrated in FIG. 1 can be assembled by first constructinga die assembly 24. Die assembly 24 comprises one or more dies 10 securedto lead frame 6 with adhesive element 8. After die assembly 24 isassembled, plastic or metal stiffener 14 is secured to lead frame 6 ofdie assembly 24 with adhesive element 12, and the die assembly is placedbetween mold plates 18 within cavity 22. Encapsulating material 16 isthen introduced into package mold 4, through mold gate 20, and flowsover die assembly 24. In such instances, encapsulating material 16 isgenerally heated prior to being injected into package mold 4, and flowedin and around die assembly 24, covering all or a portion of lead frame 6and/or dies 10. Thereafter, encapsulating material 16 is allowed toharden. Mold plates 18 can then be removed whereby package 2, asillustrated in FIG. 2, remains.

In some situations, the stiffener comprises a metal or metal alloy.Unfortunately, metal stiffeners are difficult to cut with conventional,diamond-tipped saws. As such, metal stiffeners are burdensome to segmentbefore and during package production. Likewise, the produced packagesthat incorporate metal stiffeners are also difficult to cut. As aresult, it is laborious to separate packages from one another.Additionally, metal stiffeners are expensive and therefore contribute toadded expense of the package.

Plastic stiffeners have also been used to support a lead frame.Typically, in those cases where a plastic stiffener is used, athermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material is heated andintroduced into a mold and, upon cooling, the mold is opened and aplastic stiffener is produced. Thereafter, the plastic stiffener issecured to the lead frame using an adhesive tape or paste.

Plastic stiffeners offer several advantages over metal stiffeners. Forone, plastic stiffeners can be more easily cut. This allows the plasticstiffeners to be segmented and packages separated from one another.Also, plastic stiffeners are less expensive than metal stiffeners. Assuch, the cost of semiconductor processing can be reduced. However,plastic stiffeners, like their metal counterparts, have associateddisadvantages.

For example, a supply of adhesive must be procured in order to attachthe stiffeners to lead frames. Purchasing, inventorying, and storing theadhesive can add to the cost of die assembly and package processing.Further, attaching a stiffener requires an attachment step be performedduring processing, which can require additional processing apparatus,add to processing time, and provide an opportunity for error. Therefore,an improved stiffener and method of applying the same to a substrate isdesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a semiconductor device comprisinga substrate and a stiffener molded to the substrate.

The stiffener can be molded to the substrate by various techniques suchas transfer molding, injection molding, or spray molding. The stiffenercan also be molded to the substrate with an encapsulating material.Advantageously, the molded stiffener can provide stiffening to thesubstrate, or increase the rigidity to the substrate.

The molded stiffener can comprise a thermoplastic or a thermosettingpolymeric material. In addition, the thermal coefficient of expansion ofthe molded stiffener and the substrate can correspond such that heatingexpands both the molded stiffener and the substrate approximatelyequally. The molded stiffener can be sized to correspond to a lengthand/or a width of the substrate, or the substrate can be sized tocorrespond to a length and/or a width of the molded stiffener.

Further, the molded stiffener can include at least one cross member andbe in the form of a grid, a lattice, a grille, or a web. In oneembodiment, the molded stiffener can protrude from the surface of thesubstrate and, as a result, form an enclosure for receiving anencapsulating material. In another embodiment, a first surface of thesubstrate can include a recess formed in the substrate such that thestiffener can be molded to the substrate within the recess. Therefore,the molded stiffener can be flush with the first surface of thesubstrate.

The substrate can have a first stiffener molded to a first surface ofthe substrate and a second stiffener molded to a second surface of thesubstrate. In such an embodiment, the first stiffener and the secondstiffener can comprise different configurations and/or dimensions. Forexample, the first stiffener can protrude from the first surface of thesubstrate and the second stiffener can be disposed within a recess inthe second surface of the substrate.

Another aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor assembly. Thesemiconductor assembly can comprise a die disposed on a first surface ofa substrate as well as a stiffener molded to the first surface of thesubstrate. In one embodiment, the semiconductor assembly can have asecond stiffener molded to a second surface of the substrate and asecond die disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

A further aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor die package.The die package can comprise a substrate having a die disposed on thesubstrate, a stiffener molded to the substrate, and an encapsulatingmaterial covering the die. The encapsulating material can be at leastpartially bounded by the molded stiffener. In one embodiment, the diepackage can include a second stiffener molded to a second surface of thesubstrate. The die package can be formed by a technique such as transfermolding.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of securing astiffener to a substrate. The method can comprise the steps of providinga stiffener material and a substrate, molding the stiffener material tothe substrate, and permitting the stiffener material to harden to form amolded stiffener secured to the substrate. The step of molding cancomprise transfer molding, injection molding, spray molding, or moldingby applying an encapsulating material to the substrate. The stiffenermaterial can harden by heating the stiffener material, permitting thestiffener material to cool, curing the stiffener material with acatalyst, or curing the stiffener material with exposure to radiation.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of molding a stiffenerto a lead frame assembly. The method can comprise the steps of providinga lead frame assembly, which includes a substrate and two or more diedisposed on the substrate, providing a stiffener material, molding thestiffener material to the substrate to form a molded stiffener, andsingulating the lead frame assembly, with the molded stiffener thereon,to separate the two or more die.

In one embodiment, prior to the singulation step, the method cancomprise the step of encapsulating the two or more die disposed on thelead frame assembly. The encapsulating material can be dispensed ontothe die such that the molded stiffener provides a boundary forcontaining the encapsulating material therein.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming asemiconductor die package. The method can comprise the steps of securinga die to a substrate, molding a stiffener material to the substrate toform a molded stiffener thereon, and encapsulating the die and themolded stiffener with an encapsulating material to form thesemiconductor die package. In one embodiment, the step of encapsulatingcan comprise inserting the substrate, with the die and the moldedstiffener disposed thereon, into an opening between two mold plates.After the encapsulating material has hardened, newly formed package canbe removed from the mold plates.

In another embodiment, the method of forming the die package cancomprise the steps of mounting a die on a lead frame, molding astiffener to the lead frame, applying an encapsulating material to thedie and the stiffener, and permitting the encapsulating material toharden to produce the die package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to theaccompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. Theinvention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction or the arrangement of the components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out inother various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminologyand phraseology employed herein is for the purpose of description andillustration and should not be regarded as limiting. Like referencenumerals are used to indicate like components.

FIG. 1 is an elevational, end cross-sectional view of a package known inthe art, disposed within mold plates and incorporating an attachedplastic or metal stiffener.

FIG. 2 is an elevational, end cross-sectional view of the prior artpackage of FIG. 1 with the mold plates removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, top view of an embodiment of a molded stiffeneraccording to the invention, disposed on a lead frame.

FIG. 4 is an elevational, end cross-sectional view illustrating anembodiment of a method according to the invention, wherein the moldedstiffener of FIG. 3 is produced and secured to the lead frame using aninjection molding technique.

FIG. 5 is a perspective, top view illustrating another embodiment of amethod according to the invention, wherein the molded stiffener of FIG.3 is produced and secured to the lead frame by a spray molding techniquethat employs a template.

FIG. 6 is an elevational, end cross-sectional view illustrating anotherembodiment of a method according to the invention, wherein the moldedstiffener of FIG. 3 is produced and secured to the lead frame by atransfer molding technique that employs an encapsulating material andmold plates.

FIG. 7 is a perspective, top view of another embodiment of a moldedstiffener according to the invention, incorporated and disposed withinthe lead frame.

FIG. 8 is an elevational, end cross-sectional view illustrating anembodiment of a method according to the invention, wherein the moldedstiffener of FIG. 7 is produced and secured to the lead frame using aninjection molding technique.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a lead frame assembly that comprises themolded stiffener of FIG. 3, as well as dies, secured to the lead frameand index holes disposed within the lead frame, the dies and index holesbeing shown relative to the molded stiffener.

FIG. 10 is an elevational, end cross-section view of the lead frameassembly of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10.

FIG. 11 is an elevational, end cross-section view of an embodiment of apackage, according to the invention, incorporating the lead frameassembly of FIG. 9, the lead frame assembly being disposed within moldplates and encapsulated during a transfer molding process.

FIG. 12 is an elevational, end cross-section view of an embodiment ofthe lead frame assembly of FIG. 9 containing molded stiffeners ofvarying configurations disposed on opposing surfaces of the lead frameassembly.

FIG. 13 is an elevational, end cross-section view of another embodimentof a package, according to the invention, incorporating the lead frameassembly of FIG. 9, the lead frame assembly employing a molded stiffeneras a boundary for an encapsulating material applied to the lead frameassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention will be described generally with reference to the drawingsfor the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments onlyand not for purposes of limiting the same.

While the term “lead frame” is used as a preferred substrate in theseveral embodiments and figures to describe the invention, othersubstrates known in the microelectronics or semiconductor industry arecontemplated for use with the invention. A non-exhaustive list of suchsubstrates that can be used in the context of the invention includes aflexible laminated polymer or polyimide layer, a non-flexible materialsuch as a bismaleimide triazine (BT) resin, an FR4 laminate, an FR5laminate, a CEM1 laminate, a CEM3 laminate, a ceramic metal frame, amongothers. Further, the substrate used in the invention comprises a “thin”substrate which, as used herein, is defined as a substrate having athickness of less than about seventy-five microns (75 μm).

Turning to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a molded stiffener 26, according tothe invention, associated with lead frame 6 is depicted. Lead frame 6comprises a first surface 28, a second surface 30, a lead frame length32, a lead frame width 34, leads frame edges 36, and a periphery 40proximate the lead frame edges. Further, lead frame 6 comprises a “thin”substrate, and as such, has a thickness 38 of less than aboutseventy-five microns (75 μm). In one preferred embodiment, thickness 38is less than about fifty microns (50 μm). In another preferredembodiment, thickness 38 is less than about thirty-five microns (35 μm).

Molded stiffener 26 comprises a stiffener length 42, a stiffener width44, and a thickness 46. In preferred embodiments, thickness 46 of moldedstiffener 26 is less than about one hundred microns (100 μm). In anotherpreferred embodiment, thickness 46 is less than about seventy-fivemicrons (75 μm). In yet another preferred embodiment, thickness 46 isless than about fifty microns (50 μm). Molded stiffener 26 can comprisea thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material such as epoxy.

Instead of molded stiffener 26 being secured to lead frame 6 using anadhesive element 12 (e.g., a strip of adhesive tape or a layer ofadhesive paste) as used with prior art stiffeners, molded stiffener 26can be molded directly to the lead frame. In one embodiment, moldedstiffener 26 is molded to first surface 28 of lead frame 6 such that themolded stiffener extends or protrudes from the first surface asillustrated in FIG. 3. Likewise, in another embodiment, each of firstsurface 28 and second surface 30 can have molded stiffeners 26 disposedthereon. In yet another embodiment, molded stiffener 26 can be moldedproximate edges 36 and/or periphery 40 of lead frame 6. The molding ofmolded stiffener 26 to lead frame 6 can be accomplished using a varietyof known techniques.

In one embodiment of the invention, molded stiffener 26 is molded tolead frame 6 by injection molding as illustrated in FIG. 4. Fabricationof molded stiffener 26 by injection molding can be performed by placinga stiffener mold 48 corresponding to a desired design of moldedstiffener 26 around lead frame 6 such that the lead frame is envelopedand enclosed by the stiffener mold. Thereafter, a heated, viscousstiffener material 50 (e.g., thermoplastic or thermosetting polymericmaterial) is injected into the stiffener mold 48 through mold gate 52using an injection molding apparatus 54. Stiffener material 50 issubsequently allowed to harden, typically by heating, cooling, and/orcuring. Hardening can also be accomplished by using an appropriatecatalyst, such as an amine, and/or exposure to a radiation source, suchas ultraviolet light (UV). The hardened stiffener material 50 is thussecured to (i.e., molded to), or within, lead frame 6. After hardeningof molded stiffener 26, stiffener mold 48 can be removed such that leadframe 6, with molded stiffener 26 attached thereto, remains. Thus,molded stiffener 26 is secured to lead frame 6 without the need for aseparate step involving the application of an adhesive element 12 (FIG.1).

Besides injection molding, molded stiffener 26 can also be fabricated byspray molding stiffener material 50 onto lead frame 6, as illustrated inFIG. 5. By using a spray gun 56 or other like device capable ofproducing a spray, stream, mist, or the like, a viscous, flowablestiffener material 50, as described above, can be applied to the leadframe 6. To assist this process, a template 58 such as a mask, stencil,screen print, and the like, can be disposed upon lead frame 6. Stiffenermaterial 50 can then be sprayed upon template 58 and exposed portions oflead frame 6. After stiffener material 50 has hardened, template 58 canbe lifted away from lead frame 6 leaving behind molded stiffener 26which has now been secured to lead frame 6.

In another embodiment of the method of the invention, as illustrated inFIG. 6, molded stiffener 26 can be molded onto lead frame 6 using aconventional encapsulating material 16 and mold plates 18 in a transfermolding process. In addition to protecting lead frames 6 and/or dies 10from damage, encapsulating material 16 can be used to secure moldedstiffener 26 to the lead frames. This method advantageously uses noadhesive 12 (FIG. 1) to secure molded stiffener 26 to lead frame 6.

Referring back to FIG. 3, as illustrated, molded stiffener 26 can alsocomprise cross member 60. Cross member 60 functions to provideadditional support and rigidity to lead frame 6 in addition to thesupport provided by stiffeners known in the art lacking cross member 60.Despite molded stiffener 26 being depicted in FIG. 3 with one crossmember 60, the molded stiffener can include several cross members andresemble a variety of shapes such as a grid, a lattice, a grille, a web,and the like. In other embodiments, molded stiffener 26 can also bedisposed on surface 28 of lead frame 6 in the form of a strip, a plate,a ring, a rectangle, a square, an oval, and the like. In addition to thevariety of shapes molded stiffener 26 can assume, the molded stiffenercan come in various sizes (e.g., length 42, width 44, and thickness 46).Thus, the size and/or shape of molded stiffener 26 can be varied tocorrespond to the size and/or shape of lead frame 6 and die assembly 24.

As shown in FIG. 7, molded stiffener 26 can be integrally molded withinthe lead frame 6 structure such that the stiffener and the lead frameare flush-mounted together. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, stiffenermaterial 26 can be injected or poured, as illustrated in FIG. 8, into anavailable recess 62 in lead frame 6 and then allowed to harden. Moldedstiffener 26 can be molded within the structure of lead frame 6 duringor after the manufacturing of the lead frame.

In each of the above embodiments, one benefit that molded stiffener 26provides to lead frame 6 is rigidity and structural integrity, whilestill permitting flexibility. Further, in preferred embodiments, moldedstiffener 26 and lead frame 6 have a coefficient of thermal expansionthat is approximately equal. When the coefficient of thermal expansionfor both molded stiffener 26 and lead frame 6 correspond, unevenexpansion during the variety of heating, and cooling procedures involvedin the fabrication of lead frames 6, die assemblies 24, packages 2, andother semiconductor or microelectronics, is avoided or reduced. Thus,stress at locations where molded stiffener 26 and lead frame 6 aremolded together can be kept at a level sufficient to deter disengagementbetween the two components.

Turning to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a lead frame assembly 24 accordingto the invention is illustrated in detail. As previously stated, leadframe assembly 24 comprises lead frame 6 (or other substrate), the leadframe having one or more dies 10 disposed thereon. The methods offorming molded stiffener 26 on lead frame 6, as detailed above, aresubstantially the same as the methods of forming the molded stiffener onlead frame assembly 24, except that in the latter, the placement of dies10 on the lead frame assembly is taken into account. In FIG. 10, across-section of lead frame assembly 24 of FIG. 9, taken along line10-10, is illustrated to highlight molded stiffener 26 relative to theone or more dies 10 and lead frame 6. In preferred embodiments, leadframe assembly 24 further comprises a plurality of index holes 64penetrating lead frame 6. Index holes 64, which can be penetrate leadframe 6 proximate periphery 40, permit conventional automated transfermechanisms associated with chip bonders, wire bonders, molds, trim andform machinery, and other processing equipment to transport or handlelead frame 6, lead frame assembly 24, or package 66.

After desired components have been assembled to construct lead frameassembly 24, the lead frame assembly can be processed into semiconductordie packages 66, wherein lead frame assembly 24, or a portion thereof,is covered with encapsulating material 16. As previously stated,encapsulating material is typically used to protect die 10, lead frame6, die assembly 24, integrated circuits, and other components fromdamage.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a conventional transfermolding process can be used to encapsulate lead frame assembly 24. Inthe transfer molding process, lead assembly 24 is placed within moldplates 18, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Thereafter, encapsulating material16, which has typically been heated to provide a viscous, flowableliquid, is flowed under, over, and around lead frame 6, one or more dies10, and/or molded stiffener 26. After encapsulating material 16 hashardened, mold plates 18 are removed to expose the resulting diepackages 66.

In one embodiment, die package 66 can be fabricated from a lead frameassembly 24 that comprises two molded stiffeners 26, 26 a on opposingsurfaces (e.g., first surface 28 and second surface 30) of lead frame 6,as illustrated in FIG. 12. In one embodiment, the two molded stiffeners26, 26 a can comprise varying configurations and/or dimensions (e.g.,length 42, width 44, and thickness 46). Two (or more) molded stiffeners26, 26 a can provide an extra measure of rigidity and support comparedto the amount of rigidity and support provided by a lone stiffener. Itis contemplated that a plurality of stiffeners can be disposed on leadframe 6 of lead frame assembly 24. Further, each of the plurality ofstiffeners can comprise various configurations (e.g., size and/orshape).

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, molded stiffener 26can provide an enclosure or boundary 68 for encapsulating material 16,wherein package 66 can be made without using mold plates 18. In suchcases, encapsulating material 16 is dispensed onto lead frame assembly24 within boundary 68 of molded stiffener 26. Molded stiffener 26functions to contain encapsulating material 16 within a confined area,resulting in package 66 as illustrated in FIG. 13.

In yet another embodiment, lead frame 6 can be configured to receivemolded stiffener 26 thereon when the lead frame is in reel form (asopposed to being in strips). In these embodiments, a portion of the reelcomprising lead frame 6 can be cut, truncated, singulated, separated, orotherwise partitioned into segments (not shown) before or after themolded stiffener has been molded onto the lead frame. In suchembodiments, segments can be provided in order to ease or assistprocessing, provide one component (i.e., molded stiffener or lead frame)with dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of the othercomponent. Segments can also be provided to separate components (e.g.,die) disposed on die assembly 24 from each other. Unlike prior artstiffeners made of metal, molded stiffener 26 can be cut usingconventional saw technology (e.g., diamond-tipped saw). Molded stiffener26 can be cut separately, can be cut while disposed on lead frame 6, canbe cut as a component of lead frame assembly 24, or can be cut as acomponent of package 66.

Despite the above methods being outlined in a step-by-step sequence, thecompletion of the acts or steps in a particular chronological order isnot mandatory. Further, elimination, modification, rearrangement,combination, reordering, or the like, of the acts or steps iscontemplated and considered within the scope of the description andclaims.

While the present invention has been described in terms of the preferredembodiment, it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, andmodifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible andwithin the scope of the appending claims.

In compliance with applicable statutes, the invention has been describedin language more or less specific as to structural and methodicalfeatures. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown and described, since the meansherein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention intoeffect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A system for fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising: anapparatus configured for dispensing a molding compound onto a substrate;and a mold configured to form a mass on a semiconductor die at about theperiphery of the die during a molding process to produce a stiffenermolded onto and secured to the die without attachment with an adhesiveelement.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mold is configured toform a cross member on the die.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein thecross member is selected from the group consisting of a grid, a lattice,a grille, and a web.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mold isconfigured to form an enclosure on the die for receiving and containinga flowable material therein.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein theapparatus is configured to process the die situated on a substrate inreel form.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configuredwith an automated transfer mechanism to move the die on a substrateutilizing index holes on the substrate.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the apparatus is configured to process the die situated on aleadframe.
 8. A system for fabricating a semiconductor device,comprising: an apparatus configured for dispensing a molding compoundonto a substrate; and a mold configured to form a mass on asemiconductor die at about the periphery of the die during a moldingprocess to produce a stiffener molded onto and secured to the diewithout attachment with an adhesive element, and protruding from asurface of the die.
 9. A system for fabricating a semiconductor device,comprising: an apparatus configured for dispensing a molding compoundonto a substrate; and a mold configured to form a mass within a recessin a surface of a semiconductor die at about the periphery of the dieduring a molding process to produce a stiffener molded onto and securedto the die without attachment with an adhesive element, and situatedwithin said recess.
 10. A system for fabricating a semiconductor device,comprising: an apparatus configured for dispensing a molding compoundonto a substrate; a mold configured to form a mass on a semiconductordie at about the periphery of the die during a molding process toproduce a stiffener molded onto and secured to the die withoutattachment with an adhesive element; and at least one of a heatingelement, cooling element, and a radiation source being configured toeffect hardening of the mass on the die.
 11. A system for fabricating asemiconductor device, comprising: an apparatus configured for dispensinga molding compound onto a substrate; and a mold configured to pattern amass on a semiconductor die at about the periphery of the die during amolding process to produce a stiffener at said periphery of the die. 12.A system for fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising: anapparatus configured for dispensing a molding compound onto a substrate;and a mold configured to form a mass on opposing surfaces of asemiconductor die at about the periphery of the die during a moldingprocess to produce a stiffener molded onto and secured each of saidsurfaces of the die without attachment with an adhesive element.
 13. Asystem for fabricating a semiconductor device, comprising: an apparatusconfigured for dispensing a molding compound onto a substrate; and amold having a mold gate and configured to form a mass on a semiconductordie at about the periphery of the die during a molding process toproduce a stiffener molded onto and secured to the die withoutattachment with an adhesive element.
 14. A system for fabricating asemiconductor device, comprising: a transfer molding apparatusconfigured for dispensing a molding compound; and a mold configured toreceive the molding compound therein and form a mass on a semiconductordie at about the periphery of the die during a transfer molding processto produce a stiffener molded onto and secured to the die withoutattachment with an adhesive element.
 15. A system for fabricating asemiconductor device, comprising: an injection molding apparatusconfigured for dispensing a molding compound; and a mold having a moldgate and configured to receive the molding compound therein and form amass on a semiconductor die at about the periphery of the die during aninjection molding process to produce a stiffener molded onto and securedto the die without attachment with an adhesive element.
 16. A system forfabricating a semiconductor device, comprising: a spray moldingapparatus configured with a spraying element for dispensing a moldingcompound; and a mold comprising a template configured to pattern a masson a semiconductor die at about the periphery of the die during a spraymolding process to produce a stiffener molded onto and secured to thedie without attachment with an adhesive element.
 17. The system of claim16, wherein the template is selected from the group consisting of amask, a stencil, and a screen.